Opportunities abound for clever wordplay with the name of these new Ambient Lighting Blushes by Hourglass.

Think about it…

You [Ambient Lighting Blush] light up my life.

These Ambient Lighting Blushes are turning me on!

Stealing the spotlight this spring? These six new Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes, yea!

The sleek compacts…

Unfortunately, however, because 1) my brain cells are moving at the speed of belly button lint today, and 2) I feel slightly less creative than an amoeba, I am unable to partake of said wordplay.

Instead, this is the best I can do: issue a grave warning…

DO NOT get within five feet of these things — don’t do it! — unless you plan to bring at least one of them home right then and there, because these things are more charming than the Borg, and by that I mean that resistance is futile.

Because only half of my neurons are firing today (if that), I was going to say that these blushes melt into my skin like butter, but then I thought, “Good grief, Karen! Is that the best you can do?”

No, I think not.

Picture this: your work crush grabs you by the shoulders when no one is looking, presses you up against a file cabinet, kisses you squarely on the mouth, and then quietly, nonchalantly, walks away without saying a word.

That — that right there. That natural flush on your cheeks? That’s the kind of flush these Ambient Lighting Blushes can create.

After wearing and testing two of the six, Radiant Magenta and Diffused Heat, I’ve already come to the conclusion that I’m definitely going to need the other shades in my life.

These blushes may not look very pigmented in a swatch, but start buffing a layer on your cheeks, and you quickly see just how much pigment the pans really contain.

One layer is all it takes for a soft, radiant flush — and that’s while using a fan brush, which lays down less color than a regular blush brush.

It takes such a small amount.

And cooler still? Unlike highly pigmented traditional blushes, these are much easier to blend. Incorporating the Ambient Powders into each pan seems to strike terror into harsh lines, and it also offers you extra leeway during application.

Diffused Heat

I think the look is similar to what I get when I layer a matte blush on top of a highlighter — that same sort of radiant, natural luminescence and dimensionality — but in this case it’s from the Ambient Powders peeking through the blush.

If/when you try any of these on, look into a mirror if you can, and turn your head to see your cheeks from different angles. That’s when you can really see the impact of the added Ambient Powders. Very pretty, and very cool.

More on the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes…

The blushes are handmade in Italy, so no two pans look alike, and weren’t tested on animals.

They’re free of parabens, talc, fragrances, nanoparticles (again with the Borg!) and gluten.

Seriously, these blushes totally deserve a ’90s-style raise the roof move. They’re so remarkably flexible, too. You could do a light flush one day, then a bolder cheek the next. Simply apply an extra layer, or swap out your fan or skunk brush for a basic blush brush.

And because you won’t have to spend an eternity blending, you’ll have more time for more pressing things…like texting your BFF all day long or reminiscing about V.C. Andrews books in woven backpacks or playing M.A.S.H. (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House).

PRICE: $35 for a 0.15-oz panAVAILABILITY: Coming February to Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Sephora, SpaceNK and hourglasscosmetics.comMAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A

Noooo, I’m trying to resist these and I’m failing so badly! They look hot hot hot! What I really love is how they have that subtle glow, it’s just about right, not too much. Radiant Magenta is calling my name! ^^

Oohhh these are SO PRETTY. I’ve had my eye on the Ambient powders for awhile, I may have to finally one of those and a blush so I can really glow!Kalli recently posted … New Year’s Eve Double Feature Smokey Eyes!

I’m so glad to see that you’ve given these such a rave review! Diffused Heat is being delivered to me tomorrow and I absolutely cannot wait to use it! I’m also really interested in Mood Exposure.Julie recently posted … Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Collection

Karen: LOVE your swatches of the two Hourglass blushes. They are now must-haves on my wish list. Tabs modeling suggestions: high end jewelry, such as tennis bracelets that he can model as necklaces. He would look stellar!

Oh I’d DEFINITELY love to check these out! Both shades look absolutely stunning on you, and I think it’ll be all too easy to pick one or two that I want! It does make your skin look super smooth!Sunny recently posted … Over a Base, YSL Pivoine Crush Palette Is Killing It!

These are so beautiful that I think I might cry. When I finally bought the Ambient powder trio, after wanting at least one shade for what seemed like forever, I found that they broke me out. I expect the same from the blushes which makes me very, very sad.

Karen, you look radiant and just gorgeous in these blushes! I can’t wait to swatch these for myself! I know I need Magenta. I’m not sure about what other one. Or two. Or all. I guess we’ll have to wait and see! Amber recently posted … BH Cosmetics Valentine’s Day sale

I didn’t have any issue with excess glitter. There’s a small amount of fine gold glitter, but it’s very, very tiny. You can see it if you look closely at a hand swatch but not when it’s on the face. I don’t think it’s anything close to Super Orgasm.

How do these compare with Laura Gellar marbled blushes? Seems so enticing yet not original and I’d hate to spend if there’s no difference but would love to if there is a big difference! Please let me know! Stay beautiful!

Thank you so much for your review!! Versatile, maybe…easy for you to say, they both look stunning on you!

I was wondering…I am cool-toned and very fair (01 in Guerlain foundations), what would you recommend for me? I already have a baby pink similar to Ethereal Glow, so I wanted something different. I cannot decide!!

I am in trouble. I wanted the triple pan powder but by the time I finally decided to order it was sold out. I ended up with Dim LIght and I really like the powder. It’s funny because I put it on and can’t even tell I’m wearing it but I get so many compliments on how “good I look” – not my makeup, so it must be doing something even if it’s too subtle for me to pick up in my mirror.

When I saw they were doing blushes I cringed. I didn’t want to know. Now I do, thanks to you, and will have to pick up at least one to play with. I have to take a better look at the colors – I didn’t even check them out when I got the email LOL. I was protecting myself from me.

Hey Karen – just wanted to say thank you so much for linking to our MASH how-to-play guide (I was checking referrals and you sent some of your readers our way). Your website and photography are beautiful, by the way!